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Winter ball serving its purpose (1/13)

Some of the statistics might have looked pretty good for several Reds players and prospects that played winter ball this offseason in Latin America. But that wasn't really the point.

For some, it was about playing in front of the fans in their home countries. For many others, it was a chance to face decent competition and attempt to refine their skills.

"The benefits are not measured solely in statistics," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said.

Younger players like Wily Mo Pena and Edwin Encarnacion, who participated in the Dominican Republic for the Aguilas club, got more at-bats and experience. So did infielder Ray Olmedo, who played for the Venezuelan club La Guaira.

In eight postseason games in a round-robin tournament, Pena hit .286 with one home run and five RBIs. He batted .363 with seven homers for his club during the regular Dominican season.

For Caracas in the Venezuelan league, infielder William Bergolla hit .364 (4-for-11) in four games after batting .308 in 50 regular season games.

"By virtue of their extended season, they'll come to camp in better position to make an impression," O'Brien said.

Winter ball also served a purpose in the rehabilitation of Cincinnati players sidelined by injury. Jung Keun Bong missed all of 2005 with a shoulder injury and pitched this winter in the Dominican. Double-A first baseman Jesse Gutierrez also came back from an injury and slugged 15 homers and drove in 40 runs for Navajoa in the Mexican League.

"Just the fact they could go down there was outstanding," O'Brien said. "They got the innings and exposure to help make up for what they lost in the '05 season. They will benefit in Spring Training '06."

Re: Winter ball serving its purpose (1/13)

Lots of good seasons for Reds in the winter leagues. Anyone got stats on EdE or Bong?

Real big comeback there for Jesse Gutierrez. I'd like nothing better than to see Gutierrez surprise everyone and win the Reds 1B job. He's been the backbone on most of the Reds' better affiliate teams of this century. Now, it's highly unlikely Gutierrez will do that, but it would be the Reds feel-good story of the decade if he did.

Re: Winter ball serving its purpose (1/13)

Your right about Gutierrez. It sure would be great if had such a terrific spring training that he forced Dunn back to leftfield. 'Course then we're back to the four outfielders again. Trade Kearns/Pena for a good young starter? Dare we trust DanO with that?

"The two most important things in life are good friends and a strong bullpen."
Bob Lemon

Apparently Tony Batista is playing ahead of EdE in the playoffs.
Batista has 4 HR (in 11 games), but still...
Guess EdE will have to get used to seeing "seasoned veterans" take playing time from him.

Just wanted to Add:

Wily Mo has been playing...FIRST BASE! (and batting cleanup)
He tied up last thursdays game in the bottom of the ninth with an RBI double. His team (Aguilas) won 7-6 after trailing 6-4 going into the ninth.

Last edited by oneupper; 01-14-2006 at 07:31 AM.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it."

Re: Winter ball serving its purpose (1/13)

Originally Posted by oneupper

Just wanted to Add:

Wily Mo has been playing...FIRST BASE! (and batting cleanup)
He tied up last thursdays game in the bottom of the ninth with an RBI double. His team (Aguilas) won 7-6 after trailing 6-4 going into the ninth.

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